Flanked by some of the most gorgeous beaches on the south coast, including Bulli and Austinmer, Wollongong lives up to its Dharawal name, which translates to ‘sound of the sea’.
Inland, the Illawarra escarpment frames the city, providing a green screen perfect for bushwalking and picnics. Home to the University of Wollongong, the area is a burgeoning technology hub and is attracting people who want the opportunities of a big city, minus the traffic jams.
The Gong’s bustling arts scene boasts the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, the residence of the Merrigong Theatre Company, and Wollongong Art Gallery, one of the premier regional galleries in Australia. The city’s food and dining scene has gone from strength to strength, with restaurants, streetside cafes, pubs and small bars jostling for attention. Wollongong has all the amenities of a big city but there’s still room to spread your wings.
Flanked by some of the most gorgeous beaches on the south coast, including Bulli and Austinmer, Wollongong lives up to its Dharawal name, which translates to ‘sound of the sea’.
The Nan Tien Temple, sitting high on the hill in Berkeley (just south of town), is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere. A sense of peace can be found by taking a day trip, while weekend meditation retreats offer the chance to achieve true zen.
Getting to Wollongong from Sydney takes a little over 90 minutes by train. A free shuttle bus runs from station to the major hubs, including the University and TAFE campuses, the centre of the city and, most importantly, the beaches. For those on two wheels, the city is trialling a series of new cycleways to help facilitate cycling.
According to Realestate.com.au, the median house price in Wollongong is a little over $800,000, while units are sitting at about $565,500. With the median house price in Sydney sitting at a cool $1.03 million, it makes the 2500 postcode a desirable choice in the property buying matrix. Check out NAB’s Property Report to learn more, then use its Handy Home Loan Calculator to find out how much you can borrow. Or, book an appointment here.
The city has transformed its image in recent years, with the local hospitality industry reaching new heights. At the heart of this renaissance is the city’s thriving small bar scene and you can find gems, like Black Cockatoo and Births and Deaths, on the main thoroughfare or hidden down The Gong’s myriad laneways.
Living in Wollongong
Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.
Cafes
Never fear, caffeine addicts. A decent cuppa joe can be found outside Sydney — and these spots prove it.
1. Diggies Cafe
2. Lili J
3. Goodies
4. Opus Coffee Brewers
5. Lee and Me
Restaurants
Sleek fine diner? Tick. Reliable date night spot? Tick. Affordable feast? Tick, tick, tick.
1. Babyface Kitchen
2. The Throsby
3. Kneading Ruby
4. Two Smoking Barrels Barbecue Joint
5. His Boy Elroy
Watering Holes
It should come as no surprise that Sydney's obsession with craft beer and natural wine has hit The Gong.
1. Illawarra Brewing Company Brewhouse
2. Howlin' Wolf Whisky Bar Wollongong
3. The Black Cockatoo
4. Juniper Bar
5. Night Parrot Wine Bar
Outdoors
Surrounded by national park and epic coastline, Wollongong has ample outdoor activities right on its doorstep.
1. Jingga Walking Track
2. Wollongong Botanic Garden
3. Darkes Glenbernie Orchard
4. Mount Keira Lookout
5. Wollongong Nuns Pool
Leisure
The Gong's downtime options are as varied as they are abundant. Here are five to try.
1. Foragers Markets
2. Wollongong Art Gallery
3. Holey Moley Golf Club Wollongong
4. Breakout Bar & Escape Rooms
5. Dirty Wine
After-Dark Action
Live music, art bars and arcades — there's no danger of getting bored after hours in The Gong.
1. B. Lucky & Sons Wollongong
2. UOW UniBar
3. Births and Deaths - CLOSED
4. The Illawarra Hotel
5. La La La's
Living in Wollongong
Discover the spots that could become your new local favourites.
CP's Picks
These are our favourite things to do in the area.
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Ocean Pools
Make it your mission to swim in all nine of the region's ocean pools. Each is more beautiful than the last. -
Dirty Wine
A brand-new boutique bottle-o and tasting room specialising in natural wine. -
Births and Deaths
Visit this cocktail bar, set inside the old Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages, for innovative cocktails (including six negronis) and jaffles. -
Holey Moley
Hot tip: beat the evening crowds, and tee off for a morning or mid-afternoon game at this mini-golf bar. -
Brewery Crawl
Wollongong's burgeoning craft beer scene is worth a look-in — hit up Five Barrel's taproom, Illawarra Brewing Co in North 'Gong and Resin in Bulli.
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Top image: Eduardo Filgueiras, Unsplash